Why are lilies harmful to cats? - briefly
Lilies contain toxins that can cause severe kidney failure in cats, even in small amounts, making them highly dangerous if ingested.
Why are lilies harmful to cats? - in detail
Lilies are highly toxic to cats, posing a severe risk to their health even in small amounts. All parts of the lily plant, including the petals, leaves, stems, pollen, and even the water in a vase containing lilies, contain compounds that can cause acute kidney failure in felines. The exact toxic mechanism is not fully understood, but it is believed that certain alkaloids or glycosides in lilies damage the renal tubules, leading to rapid and potentially irreversible kidney damage. Cats are particularly vulnerable because their livers lack specific enzymes needed to metabolize these toxins effectively. Symptoms of lily poisoning typically appear within a few hours of ingestion and may include vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, drooling, and dehydration. As the condition progresses, cats may experience increased urination followed by a complete cessation of urine production, indicating kidney failure. Without immediate veterinary intervention, lily toxicity can be fatal. Treatment often involves inducing vomiting, administering activated charcoal to absorb toxins, and providing intravenous fluids to support kidney function. In severe cases, dialysis or other advanced treatments may be necessary. Due to the extreme danger lilies pose, cat owners are strongly advised to avoid bringing these plants into their homes or gardens and to seek emergency veterinary care if exposure is suspected.